If you haven’t done so already, add former “X-Factor” contestant Lyric Da Queen to the list of homegrown talent that Flint can be proud of.

Her poise and passion for Flint were already evident from her stint on the reality television singing competition, but it became even clearer to us this week as Lyric traveled around the city with the other two members of their rap trio, Lyric145.

Lyric Da Queen – aka Lyric Barnes – is by no means the first product of Flint to do well, but we really appreciate that she is using her newfound fame to spread a message to area youth about hope and overcoming obstacles.

Before we had the privilege of hosting Lyric in our office Thursday for a meet and greet with fans, she had also visited her former school, Eisenhower, and made a surprise performance at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint.

In each appearance, she stressed the importance of education and for young people to pursue their dreams. Lyric herself attended Clark Atlanta University to study business after Flint’s Central High School.

Lyric is quick to point out how much good can come – and does come – from Flint.

It’s clear that to her younger family members, the rap musician is a role model for more reasons than just her celebrity status. And they clearly mean the world to her, too. If they’re going to be raised in Flint, she said, “I want to do whatever’s in my power to make sure this is the best city they can be in.”

We also like that she’s a realist. After being asked about their travels around Flint, she knocked on wood after saying they haven’t encountered any problems.

She spoke passionately that she hopes to use any future success to help bring attention to the city in an effort to reverse Flint’s school closures, police layoffs and other problems. She vowed to help reopen Central if she ever gets the means. We hope, for her sake and the city of Flint’s, that her dreams come true.

It’s evident that Lyric is proud to be from Flint. We want her to know that Flint is proud of her.

“As we all know in Flint, it’s hard to get love, it’s hard to get people on your side in Flint,” she said during her visit.